But how does the algorithm know which category is yours?

For example, with interactions. As already described, LinkedIn has an interest in users staying on the page. And that's why they've made sure that the algorithm checks just that by keeping an eye on comments. Because when users comment on certain posts, it means that they’re dealing with the post, thinking about it, and coming up with a response. So they spend time on the page again, which in turn adds value to your post.

Another factor that helps LinkedIn rank you is what's called profile indexing. This means that the network scans your profile to find out what industry you are in and what exactly you do. This is because the network naturally wants to connect you with other people in your industry, so it’s very important whether or not other people can find you easily. LinkedIn wants to understand why you are on the platform and who you are. That's a very good reference point for you to work with. Just ask yourself these questions and then work on your profile.

Also important: The Social Selling Index (SSI), which is a mixture of your ranking within your network and within your industry. This index basically tells how important you are to the network. This means that the more you interact with other people, the more value you generate for the network and the higher your SSI rises up. Because the Score of other people you interact with also influences your score and vice versa.

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What you can (and should do) to make your SSI rise up

Of course, what you should do is a mixture of everything that’s stated above. Start with completing your profile. A complete profile includes your contact information, work history, education, skills, and recommendations. The more information you provide, the easier it is for LinkedIn to find the right connections for you. Additionally, a complete profile helps you build trust with potential employers and clients. They are more likely to do business with someone they feel they know and can trust.

Since the algorithm also checks your interactions via direct messages (and if you write quality content that people like to read and comment on) you should post something that is valuable content. Talk about things you've learned that other people in your network and industry might also find important. Or write a funny story that correlates with your work. People need to be able to empathize and understand your post for it to become successful. You’re an expert in something? Show them!

You can also tag users in your post. This can lead to these users interacting with your post and also add more value to it. But if they don't interact after you’ve tagged them, your post will be devalued. So, in this respect, caution is advised.

Dwell time is also important on LinkedIn. This means that you have to make sure that people really want to read your post and click on the see more button. The see more button also leads to your post being upgraded. So it's important that you bait the readers a bit. Just write a small exciting teaser so that the see more button is used. It's actually not that hard once you get the hang of it. But you have to remember that a click on this button is worth about as much as a Like!

You should take all of these points into consideration, because they all flow into the evaluation of your profile. And if you get stuck, just look at other successful profiles from your industry. A little inspiration never hurt. You'll see: Soon the inquiries will come as if by magic.